
Annie Sloan revolutionised the world of paint by inventing a new kind of decorative paint in 1990, which she called Chalk Paint. This paint can be applied to most surfaces without any prep and has a velvety matt finish. To apply Chalk Paint, you should paint in every direction without applying too much pressure and then leave it to dry for a couple of hours. After painting, you can seal your paintwork with Chalk Paint Wax to protect it from future marks or damage. Using a brush or lint-free cloth, you should smooth the wax over the paint, wiping off any excess as you go. The wax will be touch dry within a few hours but will take 5-21 days to completely harden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface preparation | No need for sanding or priming |
| Paint application | Can be applied thickly for a rustic, textured look or smoothly for a modern look |
| Tools | Can be applied with a brush or spray gun |
| Paint consistency | Can be diluted with water for thinner coats or spraying |
| Durability | Spraying with Chalk Paint® Lacquer adds extra durability |
| Distressing | Can be done before or after applying sealing wax |
| Cleaning | Brushes can be cleaned with warm, soapy water |
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What You'll Learn

No sanding or priming required
One of the most appealing features of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® is that it requires no sanding or priming. This means that you can get started on your project right away!
Chalk Paint® has incredible adhesive power and can be applied to almost any surface, including varnished pine or laminate. This makes it perfect for upcycling old furniture or flea market finds. You can also use it to update pieces you already own that no longer suit your style.
Before you begin painting, ensure your surface is clean and ready to go. If you're planning to distress your piece, only use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®. You can distress before or after applying wax, but distressing before waxing ensures you don't have any unsealed spots.
Once you've finished painting, you can wax or lacquer your piece for a smooth and even finish. If you're working on a frequently handled surface, like kitchen cabinets or doors, consider using Chalk Paint® Lacquer for extra durability.
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Apply paint to bare wood
Applying Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to bare wood is a simple process that requires no stripping, priming, or sanding. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Paint
Stir your chosen colour of Chalk Paint with a stir stick or any other suitable tool. If the paint is very thick, you can add a small amount of water, especially if you are working in hot weather.
Paint the Wood
Dip your brush into the paint and apply it directly to the bare wood. You can apply the paint thickly for a rustic, textured look or smoothly for a sleek, modern finish. Paint in every direction and all over the piece of wood. Depending on the climate, the first coat will take around 1-3 hours to become touch-dry.
Apply a Second Coat
Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat in the same manner. Wait for the second coat to dry completely.
Seal the Paint
To protect your finish, seal the paint with Chalk Paint Wax. Use a brush or a lint-free cloth to apply the wax in all directions, working in sections. Remove any excess wax with a lint-free cloth as you go. The wax will be touch-dry within a few hours, but it will take up to 2 weeks to fully harden.
Additional Tips
- Keep your workspace at room temperature to ensure optimal paint consistency.
- If you are painting over stained or dark oil-stained wood, consider priming with shellac to prevent the original colour from showing through.
- You can distress the wood with fine-grit sandpaper before or after applying wax, depending on your preference.
- If you wish to paint a design on top of the chalk paint, use chalk paint or be aware that other types of paint may not fully absorb the wax.
By following these steps, you can easily apply Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to bare wood, transforming and personalising your wooden pieces.
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Paint over varnished wood
Painting over varnished wood is a breeze with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. You can apply it to varnished wood without any prep—no need for stripping, sanding, or priming first. It will stick to almost any surface, including varnished wood, and it's easy to get a rustic or modern look depending on your preferred style.
To begin, choose your paint colour and grab a brush. If your paint is too thick, add a little water to thin it out. You can also use a wax brush or a lint-free cloth for this step. Stir the paint well, as the good stuff tends to settle at the bottom of the tin. Then, get painting! You can apply the paint thickly for a rustic, textured look or go for a smooth, modern finish.
Once you're happy with the paintwork, it's time to seal it. Chalk Paint Wax will do the trick for indoor use, but if your project is for outdoor use or a high-traffic area, consider using a varnish instead. The Chalk Paint Lacquer is a great option for this, as it's a water-based polyacrylic varnish with built-in UV protection. You can apply it directly over your Chalk Paint for a durable finish.
Keep in mind that the lacquer can take up to two weeks to fully harden, so be careful with your piece during that time. You'll also want to avoid any drips, so keep an eye out for any white bits and smooth them over. If you're using a brush, make sure to hold it steady and don't flip it back and forth. With a roller, you can simply roll the paint on, and it will give your piece a nice style.
And that's it! You've successfully painted over varnished wood with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Enjoy your beautifully transformed piece!
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Paint over laminate surfaces
Painting over laminate surfaces with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is a simple process. Firstly, ensure that the surface is clean. If the laminate surface is highly polished or very shiny, lightly sand the surface by hand to create a textured surface for the paint to adhere to. If the paint is too thick, add a little water.
Next, apply the paint. You can apply it thickly for a rustic, textured look, or smoothly for a slick, modern finish. For walls, use a large brush, like the Annie Sloan Wall Paint Brush. Brushes use less paint than rollers and add depth and texture to the finish. For floors, use a foam roller. Smaller stencils require a smaller roller, such as Annie Sloan's Foam 2" Roller, while larger stencils require a larger roller, such as Annie Sloan's Foam 4" roller.
Once you are happy with the paintwork, seal it with wax or varnish. For indoor use, choose Chalk Paint® Wax, and for extra durability, use Chalk Paint® Lacquer, which can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray gun. For a shiny finish, allow around 24 hours before buffing.
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Use a wax brush or lint-free cloth
When applying Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®, you don't need to sand or prime the surface beforehand. The paint has excellent adhesion and can be applied to almost any surface, including varnished pine or laminate. You can apply it thickly for a textured, rustic look or smoothly for a sleek, modern finish.
After painting, you can choose to seal your work with wax or lacquer. If you want to distress your piece, Annie Sloan recommends doing so after applying the sealing wax. However, some people prefer to distress before waxing, as it's easier, and the wax seals in the distressed areas.
To apply wax to your painted surface, use a wax brush or a lint-free cloth. Wax brushes are ideal for covering larger areas and ensuring an even application. Make sure to use a natural bristle brush, as synthetic bristles may melt when they come into contact with the wax. Take care of your wax brush by cleaning it with warm, soapy water, ensuring that the water doesn't run down into the bristle base. Always allow the brush to dry by laying it flat or hanging it up by its handle.
If you don't have a wax brush, you can use a lint-free cloth. This option is perfect for smaller projects or for reaching tight spaces. A lint-free cloth, such as an old t-shirt or a piece of cotton fabric, ensures that no fibres are left behind on the painted surface. Dip the cloth into the wax and apply it in thin, even coats, following the direction of the grain if working on a wooden piece. Work the wax into the surface in circular motions, ensuring complete coverage. Allow the wax to dry, and then buff it to a shine using a clean, lint-free cloth.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to sand or prime the surface before applying Annie Sloan chalk paint. However, make sure to clean and dust the surface before painting.
Yes, Annie Sloan chalk paint can be applied directly to bare wood, varnished wood, and laminate surfaces without any preparation.
Annie Sloan chalk paint can be applied with a brush. Dip your brush into the paint and apply it directly to the surface. Be careful not to overload your brush to avoid drips.
Yes, you can apply a design on top of Annie Sloan chalk paint. It is recommended to use chalk paint for the design as well. If you use acrylic paint, it may resist the wax and not be fully sealed.







































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